MENTAL HEALTH CONTINUUM:
  Not binary (sick/well) — a spectrum that changes over time
  Everyone has mental health, like physical health
  Factors affecting mental health:
    Biological: genetics, brain chemistry, physical health
    Psychological: thinking patterns, past experiences, personality
    Social: relationships, work, finances, housing, discrimination

PROTECTIVE FACTORS:
  Strong social connections and support network
  Sense of purpose and meaning
  Physical health (sleep, exercise, nutrition)
  Coping skills and emotional regulation
  Access to professional support when needed

RISK FACTORS:
  Social isolation | financial stress | trauma history
  Substance misuse | chronic physical illness
  Family history of mental illness | adverse childhood experiences

RECOVERY MODEL:
  Recovery = living a meaningful life despite mental health challenges
  Not necessarily absence of symptoms
  Self-determination, hope, and personal growth central
  Peer support plays significant role

MENTAL HEALTH IN INDIA:
  Treatment gap: ~80% of people with mental illness receive no treatment
  National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)
  Mental Healthcare Act 2017: right to mental healthcare
  District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) in all districts
  Barriers: stigma, cost, lack of professionals, awareness

SELF-CARE STRATEGIES:
  SLEEP: 7–9 hours, consistent schedule, dark/cool room
  EXERCISE: 30 min moderate activity most days — proven antidepressant effect
  NUTRITION: regular meals, limit caffeine/alcohol, hydration
  SOCIAL: maintain at least one close relationship
  MEANING: hobby, volunteering, creative activity
  NATURE: 20+ minutes outdoors daily reduces cortisol

CONTINUUM: mental health is a spectrum, not binary — everyone is on it
BIO-PSYCHO-SOCIAL model: all three factors contribute to mental health
PROTECTIVE FACTORS: social connection, purpose, physical health, coping skills
INDIA: 80% treatment gap | MHA 2017 | NMHP | DMHP | iCall helpline
SELF-CARE: SLEEP (7-9hr) + EXERCISE (30min) + SOCIAL + NATURE + MEANING
RECOVERY: meaningful life with challenges — not necessarily symptom-free